Iligan City has successfully moved out of the top 20 list for areas with the highest incidents of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), as announced by local authorities in Cagayan de Oro City. The city’s progress is attributed to the efforts of the Task Force OSAEC, established to combat these heinous crimes. Armien Aloro, who transitioned from leading the City Social Welfare and Development Office to heading the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, highlighted the task force’s crucial role in this achievement. Collaborating with global entities like the International Justice Mission and World Vision, the task force has significantly decreased the number of OSAEC cases. Since the beginning of 2023, courts have issued 133 convictions related to OSAEC. The city’s proactive measures, including the adoption of an anti-OSAEC ordinance and its inclusion in the Tri-City Justice Zone by the Department of Justice and the Supreme Court, have bolstered the legal actions against perpetrators. Additionally, the task force offers comprehensive aftercare to aid victims in their recovery and societal reintegration. City officials are dedicated to preserving these advancements through ongoing cooperation with law enforcement, international allies, and the local community.
